When people think of back pain, they often imagine bulging discs or strained muscles. But one of the most common and underdiagnosed sources of low back pain is a deep muscle called the Quadratus Lumborum (QL). At Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc, we frequently see patients with stubborn lower back pain that’s actually rooted in this hidden muscle.
Let’s explore what the QL is, how it contributes to back pain, and how physiotherapy can help you feel better — fast.
🧠 What is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)?
The Quadratus Lumborum is a deep muscle located in your lower back, connecting the pelvis to the lowest ribs and the spine. It plays a crucial role in:
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Stabilizing your spine and pelvis
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Side bending the trunk
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Assisting in breathing (pulling the rib down when you exhale)
Because of its deep position and constant activation during daily activities like walking, sitting, and lifting, it’s highly prone to tightness, strain, or trigger points.
🚨 How Does the QL Cause Back Pain?
When the QL is overworked, injured, or tightened, it can lead to:
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Sharp or dull pain on one side of the lower back
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Pain after sitting or standing too long
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Stiffness when bending or twisting
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Pain referral to the hips, buttocks, or groin
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Pelvic imbalance or apparent leg length difference
Common triggers include:
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Poor posture
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Lifting heavy objects with poor technique
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Uneven leg length or scoliosis
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Weak core muscles
QL Pain vs. Disc Pain: How to Tell the Difference
Patients often worry their back pain is due to a spinal disc issue. But QL pain is usually more localized, doesn’t radiate down the leg like sciatica, and often worsens with side bending or sitting. A thorough physiotherapy assessment can help differentiate between QL involvement and other causes.
How Physiotherapy Can Help QL-Related Back Pain
At Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to managing QL (Quadratus Lumborum) dysfunction. Here’s how we help:
✅ 1. Precise Assessment
We evaluate posture, muscle imbalances, spinal alignment, and core stability to determine if your QL is overactive, tight, or compensating for another issue.
✅ 2. Manual Therapy & Mobilization
Our physiotherapists perform targeted manual therapy techniques, including:
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Joint mobilization to improve lumbar and pelvic movement
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Soft tissue release to reduce muscle tension
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Myofascial release to loosen connective tissue around the QL
Mobilization is especially helpful when restricted joints are putting more stress on the QL, contributing to chronic pain or stiffness.
✅ 3. Dry Needling for Trigger Point Relief
Dry needling is a highly effective treatment we offer for releasing QL trigger points — those deep knots that refer pain into the hip or lower back. With precise needle placement into the tight muscle bands, we stimulate a twitch response, reduce muscle tone, and restore normal movement patterns.
Patients often feel immediate relief in pain and tension after dry needling.
✅ 4. Corrective and Stabilizing Exercises
We provide a progressive exercise plan that includes:
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QL-specific stretches (gentle side bends, pelvic tilts)
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Core stabilization (bridges, planks, dead bugs)
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Glute and hip strengthening to offload the QL
These exercises retrain your body to move more efficiently and prevent the QL from overcompensating.
✅ 5. Education on Movement & Prevention
Posture, lifting, and sleeping position education are critical in preventing flare-ups. We guide you on:
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Safe bending and lifting techniques
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Proper workstation setup
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Sleep positioning to reduce muscle guarding
✅ 6. Massage Therapy Integration
Our registered massage therapists work in sync with your physiotherapist to provide deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy, complementing your rehab program and accelerating recovery.
Why Self-Treating QL Pain Can Be Risky
Online stretches and YouTube videos may offer temporary relief, but without proper assessment, you might stretch the wrong muscle or miss an underlying imbalance. Overstretching or incorrect self-treatment can even make symptoms worse.
That’s why working with our physiotherapists ensures a safe, evidence-based recovery plan tailored just for you.
📍 Choose Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc for Lasting Relief
Back pain doesn’t have to be a mystery — especially when the Quadratus Lumborum is identified and treated properly. If you’ve been dealing with stubborn back pain, tightness, or postural imbalance, let us help.
📞 Contact Expert Physiotherapy and Massage Inc today to book your personalized assessment and take the first step toward a pain-free back!